Lightning become first team this season to clinch playoff spot

lightning-celebrate-goal

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27), defenseman Anton Stralman (6) and center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrate. (Jason Behnken/AP)

The league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning have become the first team this season to officially clinch a playoff spot.

Though they weren’t in action Friday night, the Lightning managed to become the first team into the post-season thanks to the Anaheim Ducks’ 8-2 evisceration of the Montreal Canadiens.

Tampa has already racked up 106 points and in clinching as early as it did it just appears to be another sign that this is a team that should be considered the prohibitive Stanley Cup favourites.

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